1 Thessalonians 4:18
CONTEXT- Exhortation. Instruction. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:22 1 Now, therefore, brothers, as you received from us how you ought to walk and please God, even as you do walk, so we urge and encourage you by the Lord Jesus to improve the quality [of your walk] even more. 2 You know what charges we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 God’s will, and that which sets you apart, is this: Avoid fornication; 4 Exercise self-control of your own individual vessel in holiness and honor, 5 Not in lustful passion, even as the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 Do not swindle or take advantage of a brother in any matter. The lord is the administrator of justice in all these things as we said before and witnessed to you. 7 God did not call us to impurity, but to holiness. 8 So then, whoever disregards [the charge], does not disregard man, but God, Who gave you His holy spirit. 9 Now about brotherly love, we do not need to write to you, because you are God-taught to the end you love one another with the love of God, 10 For you already manifest this love toward all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we encourage you, brothers, abound [in love] even more, 11 And be ambitious to maintain tranquility, and handle your own personal affairs, and work with your own hands, as we charged you. 12 The result will be your walking in a proper manner toward outsiders and your having no need unsupplied. 13 Now brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, lest you be overcome with grief as the others who have no hope. 14 Since we believe that Jesus died and arose, so we must also believe that, in the same manner as He brought Jesus from the dead, God will bring with him [Jesus] those who sleep. 15 By the word of the Lord we say to you: We who remain alive until the coming of the lord shall in no way precede those who are fallen asleep. 16 The lord himself will come down from heaven with the announcement of a herald—the voice of the archangel [Gabriel]— and with the trumpet
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of the day keep a clear mind, being clothed over the breast with believing and love and crowned with salvation’s hope. 9 God has not destined us to the [coming] wrath, but to the special acquisition of our complete wholeness by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that whether we watch with alertness or sleep, we shall live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you already do. 12 Now we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who are your leaders in [the service of] the lord, and who, confront you [with God’s Word] 13 Consider them with the greatest respect and love because of their work. Maintain peace with them. 14 We encourage you, brothers: Confront those [believers] who neglect their obligations; comfort those who are discouraged; uphold the weak; be patient with everyone; 15 See that none of you repays